Lotto Dstny Ladies have proudly announced the signing of Samantha Scott, the American junior road and individual time trial champion. Excited about joining the team, Scott expressed that racing for Lotto Dstny is a realisation of her dreams. She is keen to build on her experiences as a junior and explore the opportunities that come with a new team and environment. They had announced their roster already for 2024 but this signing will give them one more rider in 2024.
Scott’s journey in cycling began through her school’s International Baccalaureate Outdoor Education Programme in Boise, Idaho. Her initial exposure to cycling was a 70-mile, 7-day gravel ride and campout, which ignited her passion for the sport. In just three years, she transitioned from casual cycling to competitive racing. Scott credits her early development to the mentorship of local UCI cyclist Anna Megale and her husband Ian, who nurtured her love for cyclocross.
Currently a member of Velosport Elite, Scott is the only female cyclist in a team of 12 male riders. She emphasises the importance of self-belief and open-mindedness when facing challenges. Despite the lack of racing opportunities during quarantine, Scott maintained her enthusiasm for cycling through team camps that allowed her to explore new routes and challenging climbs.
Reflecting on her journey, Scott shared that she would advise her younger self that any goal is achievable with hard work. Her favourite post-ride indulgence is an In-N-Out burger, and she lives by the mantra of always giving her best in every race and leaving everything on the course.
Scott fondly remembers her first cyclocross nationals as a significant milestone, where she achieved her goal of being the first 15-year-old to cross the line. Another memorable moment was her success at Jingle Cross, where she consistently finished on the podium and improved with each race. Through local cyclocross events, she honed her race strategies, leading to wins and valuable learning experiences.
